BASF FINA Petrochemicals makes donation to area high school career center
$3,000 donation helps student attend national competition

PORT ARTHUR, Texas, May 27, 2005 -- Local high school senior Dustin Barnes will represent Texas at a national competition for career and technical students, thanks in part to a $3,000 donation from BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP.

Barnes, who attends the West Orange-Stark High School Career Center, took first place in the Precision Machining Technology category in the 2005 Skills USA Texas state competition in early April. The win qualified him to compete in the Skills USA Championships in Kansas City, Mo., from June 22-23. Barnes will compete against students from other states in skill areas such as engineering drawing interpretation, technical math and machining practices. This includes the use of equipment like manual milling machines, lathes and drill presses.

“I’m excited and a little nervous,” Barnes said. “I really appreciate the opportunity I’ll have to compete nationally. I appreciate BASF’s help in getting there.”

Joe Beadle, a machinist at BASF FINA Petrochemicals and graduate of the West Orange-Stark High School Career Center, helped arrange the donation. Beadle presented the $3,000 contribution to Carlo Paulino on May 26. Paulino teaches the precision machining course at the Career Center.

The donation from BASF FINA Petrochemicals ensures that Barnes is able to make the trip. It also helps support the precision machining program at the center. Beadle said that several graduates of the Career Center, along with graduates from Stillwell Technical Center in Port Arthur, have worked for BASF over the years.

“I started my training in the vocational high school system, and so did several of my co-workers here,” Beadle said. “I feel it’s a great program to help young people get a start in the industry workforce, and that’s why I’ve been supporting it. I’m glad that BASF feels the same way.”

“We are enormously thankful to Joe and to BASF for supporting our program and being here for us,” Paulino said. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity for our kids to take part in these competitions, which is only possible because of the support of BASF.”

Paulino also noted that many BASF employees have visited the Center to speak to students and advise them over the years. The Career Center offers more than 15 fields of training in the business, health, mechanical and technical fields.

BASF operates the BASF FINA Petrochemicals site in Port Arthur, which is the world’s largest naphtha steam cracker, turning naphtha and light hydrocarbons into ethylene, propylene, and other chemical raw materials. The cracker’s products are ultimately used in the manufacture of hundreds of consumer products.

For more information, contact:
Mark Viator
BASF FINA Petrochemicals
Tel: (409) 960-5201
E-mail: viatorm@basf.com

Marshall Williams
BASF FINA Petrochemicals
Tel: (409) 960-5206
E-mail: william5@basf.com